Mental health care in refugee camps: A nursing perspective

Abstract

This thesis introduces various subjects related to the global crises on refugees and summarizes the definition of the subjects and the keywords presented for the study. The aim of this thesis was to find out what type of interventions nurses can use to improve the mental health of refugees. This thesis has been done through a descriptive literature review followed by subsequent analysis utilizing inductive content analysis. Mental health obstacles confronting refugees are significant and multifarious. Considering the extensive traumas and experiences they go through, there is a pressing demand for interventions rooted in evidence tailored for them. This research paper dives deep into available literature on strategies targeting the mental well-being of refugees, taking into account psychological, psychotherapeutic and societal tactics.

According to the results of the thesis, the use of drugs, especially the non-standard use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), is noted, as well as the advantages of patient-oriented and trauma-centred therapies. The Group Problem Management Plus (gPM+) method is highlighted for its effectiveness, even if deployed by those without specialized training. Moreover, this research paper emphasizes the crucial involvement of a multidisciplinary team, encompassing translators and urgent mental health experts. The analysis ends by spotlighting gaps in current studies, underscoring the need to delve deeper into self-driven EMDR, the success rate of mental therapies, and the possibilities of educating staff. In the end, the research suggests an all-encompassing strategy for addressing the mental health concerns of refugees and calls for ongoing studies to bolster and widen the current understanding.